Cronulla for me are a team which has been building towards being a decent team for the past 2 seasons now, they finally have a bit of spark and creativity. In saying that though the sharks in a way are the most polarizing team in the NRL for this season.
They certainly have the potential to finish in the top 8, If you look at the 1/6/7/9 you have Gardner,Graham,Carney and De Gois that is pretty decent backbone. When you add the best forward in the game in Gallen and a natural leader in Jeremy Smith things are looking up for the Sharks.
Obviously the big question mark about the sharks season is Todd Carney. If Todd Carney can stay clean a massive if at this stage of his career then he could lead the Sharks to a top 8 finish and maybe a decent run in the finals. If it all goes wrong which is what i am leaning towards then they will be in the battle for the spoon.
Cronulla's strength is obviously in the forwards, most clubs would be reeling at the loss of two quality front rowers in Douglas and Snowden, Cronulla though have done quite well bringing in Gibbs,Fifita and Ross that is a decent front row rotation.
They have also made one of the signings of the season in my opinion in Isaac De Gois i think he is a quality dummy half and Cronulla will really benefit in having him back.
Back row is outstanding Gallen and Smith are two of the best and Tupou can cause some problems.
The outside backs are a bit unproven You have Mills,Gordon,Wright and Stapleton these are young guys who i can't really give a full opinion on yet it is more a wait and see with them they are all young and could provide some excitement for fans. Gardner is a fantastic fullback in a competition full of fantastic fullbacks.
Be interesting to see what happens with Albert Kelly this season to me he seems like a great impact sub but that depends on Carney again.
Bench looks strong Fifita,Tagatese,Taufua amongst others should provide plenty of impact.
For me i see the Sharks coming about 13th,there are just way too many things which could go wrong this season to tip them to come higher. It is a massive test for Flanaghan who i think has done a decent job so far but this season is by far his toughest assignment.
They certainly have the potential to finish in the top 8, If you look at the 1/6/7/9 you have Gardner,Graham,Carney and De Gois that is pretty decent backbone. When you add the best forward in the game in Gallen and a natural leader in Jeremy Smith things are looking up for the Sharks.
Obviously the big question mark about the sharks season is Todd Carney. If Todd Carney can stay clean a massive if at this stage of his career then he could lead the Sharks to a top 8 finish and maybe a decent run in the finals. If it all goes wrong which is what i am leaning towards then they will be in the battle for the spoon.
Cronulla's strength is obviously in the forwards, most clubs would be reeling at the loss of two quality front rowers in Douglas and Snowden, Cronulla though have done quite well bringing in Gibbs,Fifita and Ross that is a decent front row rotation.
They have also made one of the signings of the season in my opinion in Isaac De Gois i think he is a quality dummy half and Cronulla will really benefit in having him back.
Back row is outstanding Gallen and Smith are two of the best and Tupou can cause some problems.
The outside backs are a bit unproven You have Mills,Gordon,Wright and Stapleton these are young guys who i can't really give a full opinion on yet it is more a wait and see with them they are all young and could provide some excitement for fans. Gardner is a fantastic fullback in a competition full of fantastic fullbacks.
Be interesting to see what happens with Albert Kelly this season to me he seems like a great impact sub but that depends on Carney again.
Bench looks strong Fifita,Tagatese,Taufua amongst others should provide plenty of impact.
For me i see the Sharks coming about 13th,there are just way too many things which could go wrong this season to tip them to come higher. It is a massive test for Flanaghan who i think has done a decent job so far but this season is by far his toughest assignment.